Brassiere frame

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a frame for insertion in an elongated pocket defining the lower margin of a breast supporting cup of a brassiere-like garment for outlining and separating the bust portions thereof comprising an elongated element having a generally flattened cross-section throughout substantially the entire length thereof, said length being sufficient that both end portions thereof extend substantially upwardly of the side edges of the cup to at least the extent thereof whereat said cup is downwardly stressed against the cup edges by the weight of the contained breast, wherein said flattened frame is formed out of the plane of the flattening thereof to overlie a surface generally protuberant of the plane of said frame corresponding generally to a bust shaped form so that said margin comfortably lies against the surface contours of a wearer thereat.

United States Patent [1 1 Rowell May 20, 1975 1 BRASSIERE FRAME [76] Inventor: Ross F. Rowell, 5361 Belmore Ave.,

Montreal, Quebec, Canada 22] Filed: Jan. 4, 1974 211 App]. No.: 430,678

[52] US. Cl. 128/476 [51] Int. Cl A41c 1/14; A41c l/20 [58] Field of Search 128/465, 469, 470, 471,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,900,982 8/1959 I-Ienriquez 128/476 3,126,007 3/1964 Jonas 128/476 3,562,802 2/1971 Avis 128/476 3,605,753 9/1971 Schwartz 128/476 3,777,763 12/1973 Schwartz 128/476 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,048,542 l/l959 Germany 128/476 Primary ExaminerWerner l-l. Schroeder Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Armand E. Wackenbach [57] ABSTRACT There is disclosed a frame for insertion in an elon gated pocket defining the lower margin of a breast supporting cup of a brassiere-like garment for outlining and separating the bust portions thereof comprising an elongated element having a generally flattened cross-section throughout substantially the entire length thereof, said length being sufficient that both end portions thereof extend substantially upwardly of the side edges of the cup to at least the extent thereof whereat said cup is downwardly stressed against the cup edges by the weight of the contained breast, wherein said flattened frame is formed out of the plane of the flattening thereof to overlie a surface generally protuberant of the plane of said frame corresponding generally to a bust shaped form so that said margin comfortably lies against the surface contours of a wearer thereat.

3 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures BRASSIERE FRAME The present invention relates to frames or supports for brassieres of the type which have been generally known as brassiere wires although they may be manufactured of substantially any resilient or substantially resilient material, not limited to metallic wires.

It has been heretofore suggested, and many attempts have been made to market brassieres utilizing a framelike member surrounding the margin of the cup to provide for delineation, separation and increased support thereat. Such support members, and brassieres incorporating such support members, conventionally referred to as underwired brassiere have not, however, received great acceptance in the market place because of a tendancy of the support member or frame to abrade the material of the garment, especially during washing, and to provide uncomfortable localized pressures to the wearer especially during breathing and articulation.

In underwired brassieres, the frames, although referred to as wires or wire framed even though occasionally made of materials other than wire or other metallic construction, are fitted into elongated pockets provided in the front portion of the brassiere so that the weight of the bust is supported and transmitted to the main body encircling portion of the brassiere through the wires, as well as to provide for increased delineation of the bust. 1

Such prior brassiere frames as have been heretofore available, however, although occasionally manufactured of materials other than metallic wire, have generally been available only of metallic wire fabrication. The present invention is especially suitable for-fabrication of not only metallic wire but of substantially any material, particularly plastics materials exhibiting the requisite stiffness and resistance to laundering.

Brassiere frames or underwires are usually of substantially U-shaped formation and are disposed within the brassiere so that the lower arcuate portion of the U is disposed beneath the brassiere cup with the spaced apart legs of the U disposed at each side of the brassiere cup.

In addition to the comfort and wearability problems as mentioned above, there are a number of additional problems in the satisfactory manufacture of underwired brassieres, one of which is that due to the presweight of the varying sizes of busts. Using the terminology of the art, a wire frame" used in an A size brassiere cup should ideally be less rigid while affording the necessary support than the wire frame utilized in the larger sizes C or D. Theoretically, the section of the wire should be increased as the frames become larger since they will be required to support more weight. However, this is not practical in actual manufacture since these wire frames are a mass produced item and, therefore, are usually made of the same provide the necessary flexible rigidity to withstand thegauge, usually round section, string wire regardless of their size. This, of course, leads to unsatisfactory results since it is obvious that a suitable gauge for a small frame will not give the required support when made into a large frame, and vice versa, unless the frame is specifically contoured in such a manner as to provide for varying degrees of support and control under varying stresses and strains.

The present frame overcomes the problems of the prior art, is particularly capable of being formed of materials other than metallic wireand provides a garment which is of heretofore unknown comfort to the wearer.

It is primary object of the present invention, therefore, to provide novel and improved brassiere frames which may be manufactured of metallic wire or of nonmetallic materials such as plastics, and the like.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the foregoing 'object, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames which do not subject the wearer to uncomfortable wire pressure.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames which follow the contour of the brassiere cup margin and are of increased comfort to a wearer. I

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames suitable for use in a variety of cup sizes.

Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each 'of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames of generally U-shaped configuration which do not provide an inward pressure at the bottom portion thereof during outward movement of the upwardly extending leg.

Another and still further "primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames comprising an elongated element having a generally flattened cross-section formed out of the plane of the flattening thereof to substantially follow the contours of a womens breast at the margin thereof.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel and improved brassiere frames and brassieres constructed therewith as described and disclosed.

It is a feature of the present invention, that the frame is particularly contoured and configured to flex within specifiedlimits in the lateral direction so that the ends -may open to allow for chest expansion during breathing without constriction while still maintaining the cup contouredandshaped along its rim without the application of undesirable pressures against the wearer.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in improved v describes, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or modification of the present invention 'and what is presently considered and believed to be the to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a prospective illustration of a novel and improved brassiere constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention incorporating a brassiere frame in accordance herewith;

FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line 33 of FIG. 1, taken on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a prospective illustration of a brassiere frame in accordance with the present invention, illustrating in phantom lines the capability of the frame to open for expansion of the cup rim during breathing; and I FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4, showing the brassiere frame in its normal condition and also illustrating same in phantom at its limited flex extent or condition.

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a brassiere, designated generally by the reference character which incorporates a pair of underwires or brassiere cup frames designated generally by the reference character 12 in accordance with the present invention.

The brassiere 10, except for the particular configuration to which the cup margins are formed by the presence of the frames 12 is of generally conventional construction having a pair of cup portions 14 secured at their outer lower margins to a body encircling band assembly 16, provided with a pair of shoulder straps 18 and being joined together at the front center by means 20.

The cups 14, adjacent the lower marginal edges thereof are provided with pocket forming means 22 which may, as shown, comprise a tubular fabric hem to define an elongated pocket 24 extending substantially entirely along the lower margins of the cups 14 and upwardly along the sides thereof.

The frame 12, in accordance with the present invention, is inserted within the elongated pockets 24, one frame being inserted under each of the cups 14.

The frames 12, as heretofore pointed out, may be fabricated of metallic wire, or may be fabricated of substantially any relatively rigid yet resilient material, including plastics, bone and the like. The frame 12 is of substantially uniform flat or thinly rectangular crosssectional configuration, although the end portions thereof may, if desired, deviate from the flat configuration shown. Preferably, however, the flat configuration extends substantially entire of the length of the frame and at least along the bottom and substantially entirely along the sides of the cup beyond the point at which substantially downward forces are created thereagainst by the weight of the bust.

The frame 12, therefore, and particularly the flattened portion thereof extends substantially entirely along the lower and side marginal edges of each of the cups.

The end portion of the frame 12 may, as shown, be provided with an enlarged knob-like portion 26 to aid in retaining the frame within the pocket 24 and to substantially reduce or preclude abrasion of the end portions of the pocket 24 during articulation, washing and the like.

As clearly shown and illustrated, the frame 12 is of substantially U-shaped arcuate configuration along its center line. However, as shown in the dotted lines in FIGS. 2 and 3, the center line of the frame 12 does not lie in a single plane. Rather, the lower or mid point is bent slightly forwardly out of the plane of the end portions, as shown. Moreover, the frame is formed or shaped so as to place the inner peripheral edge of the U-shape angularly offset from the outer peripheral edge giving the frame a dished-out overall surface contour (analogous to a Belleville washer) which will conform more closely in unstressed conditions to the body contours of the wearer of a brassiere. The dishedout surface contour gives the frame a surface contour of generally outwardly tapering form, almost conical in the lower arcuate portion, so that it closely conforms to the shape of the base of the bust (encircling portion of a brassiere cup) and therefore, under stress, does not present any uncomfortable pressure. Moreover, since there are two supports or frames 12 required for each brassiere, they are generally made as left and right with the leg intended to be disposed on the inner edges of the cups being longer than the leg intended to be dis-.

posed along the outer edge.

The angular offsetting of the peripheral edges of the frame 12 gives the entire frame an inner surface of tapering formation which, particularly in the arcuate section, is substantially conical or extends along a substantially conical surface.

In other words, the flattened cross-section of the frame 12 is formed out of the plane of the flattening thereof to overly a surface generally protuberant of said frame corresponding generally to a bust-shaped form.

I-Ience, as clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flattened frame lies against the margin of the bust when in position.

Accordingly, the edges of the frame 12 do not project towards the body of the wearer but, rather, lie flat thereagainst so as not to dig in, cut, or uncomfortably press against the body, both along the bottom of the breast, as shown in FIG. 2 and along the sides, as shown in FIG. 3.

Moreover, the frame of the present invention, due to its configuration, enables the end portions of the legs to be readily easily deformed by body movement, during breathing and articulation, at least outwardly from their normal configuration, and particularly outwardly within a limited range, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 4 since such limited movement is substantially unrestrained by the formed tapering contour. However, as

the legs of the frame are spread further apart, beyond the limited extent indicated by the fathom lines in FIG. 4, the-frame rapidly stiffens against further movement due to flattening of the formed contour, particularly at the center or lower edge, i.e., that portion of the wire shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 better illustrates the angular offset of the inner peripheral edge from the outer peripheral edge and also shows the frame in both an unflexed condition and a flexed flattened condition. I-Ience, freedom of movement is provided for normal breathing and articulation while the rapid stiffening against movement beyond the range indicated by the fathom lines in FIG. 4 enables the frame to give support while permitting such limited movement. This effect, as well as the comfort to the wearer,

, is further enhanced by having the lower middle portion,

shown in cross-section in FIG. 2, twisted slightly forwardly of the plane of the frame, as indicated by the dotted lines in FIGS. 2 and 3 so that, as the lower middle portion of the frame is twisted by articulation and movement of the frame legs, the resistance to deformation and the stiffening rapidly increases and the lower middle portion is stressed more towards the plane of the frame. Hence, under no conditions, can the lower middle portion of the frame be projected rearwardly into the wearers flesh.

Accordingly, during opening of the frame legs during breathing, very little restraint is exhibited against chest expansion and very little, if any, pressure is felt by the wearer, especially at the upper ends of the frame legs, as generally occurs with heretofore known frames. Yet, while the legs of the frames of the present invention may be easily opened by chest expansion, up to approximately one inch from the normal spacing therebetween, the frames yet still resist twisting in a forward and rearward direction out of the plane of the frame.

For convenience, in description, the terms upper", lower, inner, outer, middle and derivatives thereof and other directional terminology of reference to the frames and the brassiere as oriented and shown in FIGS. l and 4. Such directional terminology along with other similar directional terminology is to be construed and interpreted in as normal and accepted sense and such terminology is not to be construed or interpreted in a limiting sense either in the preceeding description or the subjoined claims, since the same is used merely to facilitate an understanding of, and to clearly set forth and particularly define the present invention.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims herein appended.

What is claimed is:

l. A frame adapted for use in a breast supporting cup of a brassiere-like garment comprising a substantially U-shape wire-like frame of generally flat rectangular cross-section throughout substantially the entire length of said frame and having inner and outer peripheral edges and inner and outer fiat surface portions; said frame having a central portion and a pair of leg portions extending upwardly of the side portions of said breast supporting cup; said inner and outer flat surface portions being of tapering conical formation in that said inner peripheral edge is generally angularly offset from said outer peripheral edge and provides a dished out overall contour whichconforms to the body contours of a breast and extends for the entire length of said frame; and said leg portions being easily opened and deformable outwardly from each other by normal body movement, during breathing and articulation, and being stiffened from further separation movement by the general flattening out of the tapered conical surface portions.

2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the leg portions of said frame upon separation open a distance approximately one inch without experiencing the stiff ening of said frame from further separation movement of said leg portions.

3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the surface portions of said dished-out frame contour formed by said angular offset of said inner peripheral edge are substantially conical and extend along substantially conical surfaces with said frame in a normal unflexed condition. 

1. A frame adapted for use in a breast supporting cup of a brassiere-like garment comprising a substantially U-shape wirelike frame of generally flat rectangular cross-section throughout substantially the entire length of said frame and having inner and outer peripheral edges and inner and outer flat surface portions; said frame having a central portion and a pair of leg portions extending upwardly of the side portions of said breast supporting cup; said inner and outer flat surface portions being of tapering conical formation in that said inner peripheral edge is generally angularly offset from said outer peripheral edge and provides a dished-out overall contour which conforms to the body contours of a breast and extends for the entire length of said frame; and said leg portions being easily opened and deformable outwardly from each other by normal body movement, during breathing and articulation, and being stiffened from further separation movement by the general flattening out of the tapered conical surface portions.
 2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the leg portions of said frame upon separation open a distance approximately one inch without experiencing the stiffening of said frame from further separation movement of said leg portions.
 3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the surface portions of said dished-out frame contour formed by said angular offset of said inner peripheral edge are substantially conical and extend along substantially conical surfaces with said frame in a normal unflexed condition. 